Crime science focuses on reducing crime levels through data analysis and problem-solving. It differs from criminology, which studies evidence of crime. Crime science is a new field and often involves a mixture of methods. It aims to prevent crime by changing circumstances and eliminating risk through security systems. Crime scientists may also produce crime maps and work on solutions to reduce crime in high-risk areas.
Crime science is a study of criminal activity that focuses on reducing crime levels. This distinguishes it from criminology, which studies the evidence of crime to determine how, when and by whom a crime was committed. The practice of crime science, despite its name, is not always a purely scientific activity and many involve a mixture of methods and sources. Crime science is still a very new area of study and profession and remains a much smaller field than traditional criminology.
The factors involved in reducing crime resemble a many-headed hydra. Economic issues, politics, affordability, psychology, and opportunity are all factors that can lead people to crime. Crime science tends to focus on measuring and obtaining data on all possible reasons and ways of committing crime, and then devising means to reduce crime by systematically identifying each problem.
One of the basic tenets of crime science is that crime is often preventable. If all crimes were committed by inherently violent psychopaths, it would be extremely difficult to find means to stop crime, short of locking up all potential psychopaths. In fact, most crimes are committed by ordinary people motivated by unusual circumstances. By focusing on changing circumstances, crime scientists attempt to prevent the crime from having the opportunity to occur.
There are now several universities and colleges offering degrees or courses in crime study. The science is most widely known in the UK, where the first criminal science institute, the University of Central London Jill Dando Institutes, was established in 2001. Several other UK – based colleges and institutes now offer specialist degree and certificate programs in the field .
Crime scientists often work as risk management experts or security analysts. One of the major factors in eliminating the potential for crime is eliminating the risk of crime through comprehensive and well-managed security systems. In addition to working with companies to devise comprehensive security management programs, criminal scientists may also be involved in developing tools and products that enhance security capabilities.
Another important pursuit of workers in this field is the production of crime maps. These maps show crime patterns by type and date and can be useful for both law enforcement agencies and the general public. Crime scientists may also work on mapping analysis or find the reasons behind a pattern of high crime in an area and work on solutions that will help reduce the problem.
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